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Talking Tax - Issue 57

The Premier of Victoria has announced that the Government will establish a new Economic Growth Zone (EGZ) in the Latrobe Valley, in an effort to create local jobs and grow local businesses.

The new EGZ means that companies starting or expanding their businesses in the Latrobe Valley will be eligible for financial incentives, including reimbursement of fees and charges.

There is little doubt that this incentive will create opportunities for businesses to benefit from stamp duty concessions in setting up in the Latrobe Valley, and will help to contribute to the growth and stability of the area.

Eligibility for the funding will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Latrobe Valley Authority, and businesses are advised to seek advice if they wish to take advantage of the incentives.

Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Project Plan

The Attorney-General’s Department has released a draft project plan for implementing the 84 recommendations arising out of the review of Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (Cth), in order to streamline and strengthen Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing regime.

The project plan sets out a roadmap regarding how it will go about implementing these recommendations and the timeframe for doing so.

The reforms proposed will have a significant impact on a number of reporting entities but also advisors such as lawyers, conveyancers, accountants and real estate agents going forward, however it is early in the consultation process.

The Federal Treasury has released a consultation paper on the application of non-resident withholding taxes to collective investment vehicles (CIV).

As part of the 2016/17 Budget, the Government announced that it would introduce two new internationally recognised CIVs, to make Australian managed funds more attractive to foreign investors and enhance opportunities for the export of funds management services from Australia. Demand for funds management services in the Asia Pacific Region is expected to grow strongly over the coming decades.

The consultation paper seeks stakeholder view of policy proposals in relation to the withholding taxes and flags the key policy considerations, including compatibility with the international approach to taxing non-residents, fiscal considerations, simplicity and international competitiveness.

In particular the consultation paper sets out three proposals for consideration:

The Treasury has released exposure draft legislation and explanatory material for the 2016/17 Budget measure to levy GST on low value imported goods imported by consumers. The intention is for such legislation to have effect for tax periods on or after 1 July 2017

The legislation will require overseas vendors, electronic distribution platforms and good forwarders to account for GST on sales of low value goods (that is those less than $1,000) to consumers in Australia provided that the supplier of the goods has a GST turnover of $75,000 or more.

These changes will be welcomed by domestic suppliers of goods as a means of levelling the playing field when operating in competition with international suppliers. Unfortunately, they may signal higher prices for Australian consumers currently enjoying GST free prices.

Comments are welcomed until 2 December 2016.

ATO updates

ATO advice under development update

The ATO has updated its advice under development list for income tax, GST and CGT issues. This is part of the ATO’s “Project Refresh” initiative which seeks to modernise the public rulings that are greater than five years old. The purpose of updating these public rulings is to ensure that this advice is current.

Income tax advice under development will include information relating to:

The ATO has released its 2015/16 Annual Report, which informs Parliament, stakeholders and the community about how the ATO has administered the tax system over the year in comparison to the objectives set.

In his review, the Commissioner flags the tax behaviour of large corporates as an ongoing issue in Australia as well as his desire that the ATO continue to lead international collaboration amongst the OECD members.

The report flags that the ATO continues to transform the way it manages disputes with taxpayers, through the use of alternative dispute resolution and the new settlement guidelines. This has resulted in a reduction of litigation cases.

This article was written with the assistance of Ella Simmons, Law Graduate.